Yes you read that correctly. For those that are not aware this weekend’s London Pen Show will be over two days.

This is a big risk experiment for both the show organisers and from the vendors. For us it is just a separate small extra cost in travel and tickets (with a reduction if you buy for both days) but for them it is double the accommodation and food bills so here’s hoping the numbers and business live up to the expectations.

There is a risk. There are a finite number of people who will be within a suitable distance to attend. In theory a lot of people could not make the Sunday and there will be some who do prefer a Saturday anyway. The show organisers have looked in to this so hopefully they will have got it right. Certainly at the end of the two days they will know both from ticket sales and from feedback from vendors if it has worked or not.

Where I see a possible issue is the smaller business/maker. Two days means the double of the break even point. Now for many it is as much about catching up with each other and getting their names out there, but I know for me, if I were to have looked at grabbing a table to sell pens again, I would just be down for the one day and this could be the case for some of the traders.

Social side will be interesting as I find I more often have missed friends at previous shows, just because we arrive at different times and end up in different locations when wandering round. I assume most groups will pre-arrange which day they attend on.

I do hope the two days work as it does give a lot more flexibility on when we, the punter, can attend. I actually do have a clash on the Sunday and have done for a fair few years, so the two days certainly works for me. Hopefully catch up with a few of you on the Saturday and here’s to a successful two day pen show.

The floor layout and list of vendors (all tables sold) can be found here.